In 2020, the Special Task Force of the Uttar Pradesh Police arrested one Mukesh Singh for masterminding a property fraud worth Rs 200 crore. In January 2023, a team of Delhi’s Crime Branch arrested one Sona Bansal over her alleged involvement in the Rs 1,500-crore Gurugram-Manesar Industrial Model Township Land Grab Scam.
Considering there has been a tremendous rise in the number of property-related frauds and scams, it is extremely important for a property buyer to ascertain the authenticity of property papers by applying various checks ─ the ownership of a property is proven by property documents.
While having a legal expert by your side would be the best possible way to ensure you don’t fall prey to some ill-intentioned schemes of unscrupulous entities, there are some ways you can identify fake property papers as well.
How to identify if property papers are genuine?
Seller’s unwillingness to show property papers
Only sometimes you may be off the mark, but if a seller is showing reservations about showing you the property documents before signing off the deal, they probably have something to hide. Since property transactions are high in value, one has little scope for niceties and polite exchanges. Ask for property papers firmly. If the seller refuses to show it to you, it would be ideal to walk out. There is no lack of options in the market.
Spelling mistakes in property papers
At the time of registration, the officer in -charge inspects each detail mentioned in the sale deed with due care. In case of a mistake in the property papers, the official will certainly point it out to the people concerned and refuse to register the papers till the error is rectified. Keep a close watch to find such inconsistencies in property documents shared by the seller. If the documents carry such errors, this is certainly a red flag.
Inconsistencies in data, names
On similar lines, a sub-registrar would also refuse to accept if there are inconsistencies in the sale deed document.
“For instance, if there is a mismatch in Aadhaar, PAN number of residential address of the parties involved, the official will flag the same and put on hold property registration till the time these mistakes are corrected,” says Lucknow-based legal expert Prabhanshu Mishra, who specialises in property disputes.
“These seem like small problems in a property-related document, but they could go a long way in helping a greenhorn buyer avoid getting into a trap,” he adds.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
sunita.mishra@proptiger.com
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